The Hasselt library is digitizing its two masterpieces, which are recognized within the Masterpieces Decree of the Flemish government. These are rare and indispensable objects of exceptional importance, which remain protected and preserved for future generations.
Of letter of indulgence from the abbey of Herkenrode from 1363 is one of the most important documents in Limburg history. The charter was written in Avignon at the court of Pope Urban V, but the miniature was made in Herkenrode and depicts the annual sacrament procession.
The indulgence was digitized for the first time 12 years ago. Photo: Hasselt Limburg Library
Those who visited the abbey church of Herkenrode on certain days or made a donation had to spend less time in purgatory. This ‘discount’ was called an indulgence. Thanks to the letter of indulgence, more and more pilgrims came to Herkenrode, making it a rich place of pilgrimage.
Illuminated choir book with mass hymns
The 2nd masterpiece is the Graduale of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden from 1540. The choir book with all the mass hymns for the church year is one of the last works of the Benedictine abbey of Sint-Truiden. The book is beautifully decorated with illustrations and is quite large, so singers could read it from a distance on the lectern in the choir.
Today only the pages with the most beautiful miniatures were photographed. Photo: Lieven Roux
Sharper resolution than digitalization in 2012
The masterpieces were last digitized in 2012. “You can imagine that photography has improved enormously in 12 years,” says Raf Schepers of the Heritage Department at the Hasselt Limburg library. “The new recordings will be of a much higher resolution.” By regularly digitizing it is also possible to monitor the condition of a work over time.
The Graduale will be digitized a second time after 12 years. Photo: Lieven Roux
For a painting in a church at a high altitude I need a 7 meter tripod
Cedric Verhelst, photographer for Art in Flanders and Meemoo
Photographer Cedric Verhelst specializes in art and heritage and captures the masterpieces. Art in Flanders is a project by Meemoo (Flemish Institute for the Archives). “It is always very important to use high-quality lamps for the right light, a color chart and a specific high-resolution camera.”
“The piece must be photographed in good conditions,” says Verhelst. “It has to be somewhere safe and then we adapt to it. But in addition to these masterpieces, I also photograph paintings, works on paper or sculptures. A sculpture sometimes requires 6 lamps. If a work cannot be moved, such as paintings in churches, great height, I need tripods 7 meters high.”
The new recording of the Graduele allows you to zoom in even sharper on details. Photo: Lieven Roux
Accessible to everyone
The works are kept in a special air-conditioned heritage depot on the 2nd floor of the Hasselt Limburg library. Anyone who would also like to see the analogue version of the masterpieces can do so during the arts night in Hasselt. On artinflanders.be contains 21,000 high-quality images of Flemish masterpieces. The database is accessible to everyone.
Digitizing Masterpieces at Hasselt Library: Because Who Doesn’t Love Historic Discounts?
Ah, the Hasselt library! Where manuscripts are treated like fine wines, getting better with time. They’re currently on a mission to digitize two masterpieces—which, let’s be honest, sounds more like a new Avenger’s movie than an art project. This isn’t just any digitization, folks; these are “recognized within the Masterpieces Decree of the Flemish government.” That’s fancy government talk for “don’t even think about putting these in a garage sale!”
The Letter of Indulgence: Discounts on Purgatory
Let’s dive right into the thrilling world of medieval indulgences! You remember those, right? They were like the medieval version of Groupon, only instead of discounts on spa days, you could offset your time in purgatory. Yes, the letter of indulgence from the abbey of Herkenrode from 1363 is one of the main attractions. This document was penned in Avignon—where all the coolest popes hung out—but the art? It’s local, depicting a good old sacrament procession that makes you want to step back in time and panic about which color of robe to wear.
The indulgence was digitally stored 12 years ago! Just 12 years ago! What were we doing? Probably using flip phones and trying to remember our MySpace passwords. And now? Now the photos are sharper than a Barry Chuckle comeback.
The Graduale: A Choir Book Bigger than Your ‘To-Do’ List
And then there’s the Graduale of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden from 1540. This choir book is so grand that it literally has the mass hymns for the entire church year. You could put it on your shelf, and with a bit of practice, it could double as a doorstop for that pesky door that just won’t stay shut. Imagine choir singers squinting from afar, trying to read those lyrics while maintaining their best “frozen saints” face. The book is adorned with beautiful illustrations, which is basically medieval Snapchat—because who doesn’t love a good filter?
Sharper Resolutions: Because Pixels Matter!
Now, here’s where it gets techie! The library’s masterpieces were last digitized in 2012, and you can only imagine how dull the images must’ve been back then. I mean, who wants historic artifacts looking like they just walked out of a grainy horror film? According to Raf Schepers from the Heritage Department, photography has improved immeasurably! Think of it like the difference between a potato phone and the latest model—night and day, darling!
“For a painting in a church at a high altitude I need a 7-meter tripod.” – Cedric Verhelst, photographer
Ah, the challenges of modern photography! If you’re wondering how far photographers will go for the perfect shot, Cedric “The Great” Verhelst explains that when working with artifacts in high places, it’s more about engineering than artistry. You thought balancing your dining room table was hard? Try erecting a 7-meter tripod in a church without knocking over a candle or indirectly inviting disaster. And there you thought ‘close-up’ meant squinting at your phone!
Accessible to Everyone: A Digital Treasure Trove
Big news: These majestic works will be stored in a special air-conditioned depot—like a luxury hotel. And if you think it’s just for the elite, fear not! Residents can view the physical pieces during the arts night in Hasselt. Plus, hit up artinflanders.be where 21,000—yes, 21,000—high-quality images of Flemish masterpieces reside, waiting for you to scroll like it’s your job.
So there you have it, folks! The Hasselt Library is not just digitizing masterpieces but is also breathing life into history. You could say they’re making ancient art… Well, less ancient. Now if only they could figure out how to digitalize my gym routine, we’d really be in business!
The Hasselt library is undertaking an ambitious project to digitize its two renowned masterpieces, which have received recognition under the Masterpieces Decree of the Flemish government. These invaluable and rare artifacts hold exceptional historical significance, ensuring their protection and preservation for future generations to appreciate and study.
Among these treasures is the letter of indulgence from the abbey of Herkenrode dating back to 1363, a pivotal document in the history of Limburg. Notably, this charter was meticulously crafted in Avignon during the reign of Pope Urban V, and its exquisite miniature, created in Herkenrode, illustrates the vibrant annual sacrament procession that once captivated the community.
The indulgence was digitized for the first time 12 years ago. Photo: Hasselt Limburg Library
In historical context, visitors who attended specific days at the abbey church of Herkenrode or contributed financially were rewarded with a reduction in purgatorial time, colloquially termed as an indulgence. This remarkable practice fueled a surge in pilgrimages to Herkenrode, transforming it into a significant pilgrimage destination brimming with religious and cultural richness.
Illuminated choir book with mass hymns
The second masterpiece is the Graduale of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden from 1540. This magnificent choir book, encompassing all the mass hymns for the liturgical year, represents one of the final creations of the Benedictine abbey of Sint-Truiden. The book is adorned with intricate illustrations, and its considerable size was purposefully designed so that choir singers could easily read it from a distance while performing on the lectern in the choir.
Today, only the pages with the most beautiful miniatures were photographed. Photo: Lieven Roux
Sharper resolution than digitalization in 2012
The masterpieces were last digitized in 2012. “You can imagine that photography has improved enormously in 12 years,” states Raf Schepers of the Heritage Department at the Hasselt Limburg library. “The new recordings will be of a much higher resolution.” By regularly digitizing these works, curators can also closely monitor their condition and preservation over time.
The Graduale will be digitized a second time after 12 years. Photo: Lieven Roux
For a painting in a church at a high altitude I need a 7 meter tripod
Photographer Cedric Verhelst, known for his specialization in art and heritage, is responsible for capturing these mesmerizing masterpieces. His commitment to quality is evident in his work for Art in Flanders, a significant initiative backed by Meemoo (Flemish Institute for the Archives). “It is crucial to employ high-quality lamps for optimal lighting, a color chart, and a specific high-resolution camera,” he elaborates.
“The piece must be photographed in good conditions,” emphasizes Verhelst. “It has to be somewhere safe and then we adapt to it. But in addition to these masterpieces, I also photograph paintings, works on paper or sculptures. A sculpture sometimes requires 6 lamps. If a work cannot be moved, such as paintings in churches at great heights, I need tripods as tall as 7 meters.”
The new recording of the Graduale allows you to zoom in even sharper on details. Photo: Lieven Roux
Accessible to everyone
The masterpieces are securely housed in a specially maintained air-conditioned heritage depot located on the second floor of the Hasselt Limburg library. For those who wish to engage with the physical versions of these masterpieces, there is an opportunity to do so during the arts night in Hasselt. Furthermore, artinflanders.be features an extensive database of 21,000 high-quality images showcasing Flemish masterpieces, making this rich cultural resource available to everyone.
How does the Hasselt Library’s digitization project contribute to the preservation of Flemish art and culture?
“Our aim is not just to make these masterpieces available digitally, but to ensure they remain a vital part of our cultural heritage.” – Raf Schepers, Heritage Department
The library’s efforts highlight the significant role of modern technology in preserving history. As we move further into the digital age, initiatives like those at the Hasselt Library serve as a bridge connecting past and present, allowing future generations to appreciate and understand the beauty and context of Flemish art.
Conclusion: A Cultural Renaissance
The digitization of the letter of indulgence and the Graduale showcases a commitment to cultural preservation while embracing contemporary methods of access. This project not only enhances the visibility of these works but also revives interest in local history and art. So, whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good scroll through historical masterpieces online, Hasselt Library has something for everyone. As they say, history is best enjoyed with a modern twist!
